BhaktiLoopKanda Shashti Festival
Kanda Shashti is a six-day festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, culminating on the sixth day (Shashti tithi) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Tamil month of Aippasi (usually October-November). The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, specifically Lord Murugan's valiant battle and victory over the formidable demon Surapadman and his brothers. Devotees observe strict fasts and engage in fervent prayers, devotional singing, and rituals to honor the deity and receive his blessings. The climax of the festival is 'Surasamharam', the re-enactment of the slaying of Surapadman, followed by the 'Thirukalyanam' (divine marriage of Murugan with Deivanai and Valli) on the seventh day.
Purpose
To commemorate Lord Murugan's victory over the demon Surapadman. Devotees observe this festival to seek protection from evil, gain courage, wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, success in endeavors, and removal of obstacles. It is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and blessings for progeny and health.
Key Rituals
Fasting (Vratam): Devotees observe partial or full fasts for all six days, consuming only one meal a day or abstaining from food entirely, especially on the final day. Some restrict themselves to milk and fruits.
Kanda Sashti Kavacham Recitation: Regular chanting of the 'Kanda Sashti Kavacham' (a protective hymn) is a central practice, believed to invoke Lord Murugan's blessings for protection and removal of negativity.
Abhishekam: Ritualistic bathing of the deity with various sacred substances like milk, curd, honey, ghee, rosewater, sandal paste, and fruit juices at temples and homes.
Alankaram: Elaborate decoration of the idol with clothes, jewels, and flowers after the Abhishekam.
Archana/Pujas: Offering flowers, incense, camphor, and various prayers (archana) while chanting Murugan's names and mantras.
Homam (Fire Rituals): Special fire sacrifices are performed in temples to invoke divine energies and seek blessings.
Skanda Purana Recitation: Reading or listening to sections of the Skanda Purana, which narrates the divine exploits and glories of Lord Murugan.
Surasamharam: On the sixth day, a dramatic re-enactment of Lord Murugan's battle and victory over Surapadman is performed in temples, often featuring a spear (Vel) as the symbol of his divine power.
Thirukalyanam: On the seventh day, the divine marriage of Lord Murugan with his consorts Deivanai and Valli is celebrated, signifying the completion of the divine mission and the establishment of dharma.
Common Offerings
Fruits: Bananas, mangoes, pomegranates, apples, grapes.
Flowers: Red lotus, jasmine, oleander, hibiscus, rose, specifically red and yellow flowers.
Sweets: Payasam (milk pudding), Sarkarai Pongal (sweet rice), Laddu, Modak, Vadai.
Milk, Honey, Curd, Ghee: Used for Abhishekam.
Betel Leaves and Areca Nuts (Vettilai Pakku).
Sandalwood Paste (Chandanam), Vermilion (Kumkum), Sacred Ash (Vibhuti).
Camphor (Karpuram), Incense Sticks (Agarbathi), Oil Lamps (Deepam).
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Saravanabhava
Meaning
Salutations to Saravanabhava. This mantra refers to Lord Murugan, born in the 'Saravana Poigai' (a sacred pond) amidst reeds. It signifies the six-faced aspect of Murugan and the six virtues he embodies.
Benefits
Chanting this six-letter mantra (Shanmuga Mantra) is believed to bestow wisdom, courage, protection from evil forces, success in endeavors, and spiritual growth. It is considered very powerful for invoking Lord Murugan's blessings.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Tham Skandaya Namaha
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Skanda.
Benefits
A simple yet potent mantra for daily invocation. It helps in gaining focus, removing obstacles, and establishing a deeper connection with Lord Murugan's energy.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Aum Kaarthikeyaaya Vidmahe Maha Senaaya Dhimahe Thanno Skanda Prachodayaath
Meaning
Om, let us meditate on Kaarthikeya, the son of Shiva and Parvati. O, great commander of the divine army, grant me higher intellect. May Lord Skanda illuminate my mind.
Benefits
This is the Skanda Gayatri Mantra. Chanting it brings clarity of thought, wisdom, courage, protection, and spiritual illumination. It is particularly effective for students and those seeking intellectual prowess and divine guidance.
Auspicious Days
The festival begins on the Prathama (first day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) in the Tamil month of Aippasi (mid-October to mid-November).
The climax and most auspicious day is the Shashti Tithi (sixth day) of this period, on which the 'Surasamharam' takes place.
The seventh day, following Shashti, is also significant for the 'Thirukalyanam' (divine wedding) ceremony.
Regional Variations
Kanda Shashti is predominantly celebrated in Tamil Nadu, India, where Lord Murugan is highly revered. Significant celebrations also occur in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries with a large Tamil diaspora. While the core rituals remain similar, the scale and specific local customs may vary between temples and regions. For instance, the grandeur of Surasamharam re-enactments can differ, and the exact sequence of certain rituals might have minor variations from temple to temple (e.g., Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Thirupparankundram, etc., which are Arupadaiveedu or six abodes of Murugan).
Related Pujas
Thai Poosam: Another major festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, usually celebrated in January/February, commemorating the day Lord Murugan received the Vel (divine spear) from Goddess Parvati.
Panguni Uthiram: Celebrated in March/April, this festival marks the divine marriage of Murugan and Deivanai, and also other divine unions, and is associated with various other deities.
Vaikasi Visakam: The birth anniversary of Lord Murugan, celebrated in May/June.